Yes, You Can Afford an Attorney to Handle Your Case

There is an old adage that the lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client. There are also many lay people who endeavor to handle their own legal matters. Such individuals figure that they can talk to the insurance companies, and deal with the other side’s legal counsel as well as an attorney. Their bravado may be born from ignorance of how serious damages can be from a personal injury. Attorneys who handle personal injury cases (for both plaintiffs and defendants) know that a “pro-se” party, or an individual who is representing themselves, is easy to beat in the legal system. This begs the question, who is the fool when a person is “pro se” in their legal case?

Some people are not so much motivated by a do-it-yourself mentality than by a belief that legal fees are too high, and they do not want to “waste” any of the damages they recover in paying for a lawyer’s services. Still others try to represent themselves because they do not think they can afford a personal injury attorney. This is far from the truth. Anyone injured in an accident can afford an attorney. This is because many attorneys, such as Scott O’Sullivan, work on a contingent fee basis.

In lawsuits involving an auto accident, lawyers who take a case on a contingency basis usually require clients to sign an agreement that specifically sets out the terms of the contingency fee payment. This makes it possible for just about anyone with a viable claim to have an attorney work for them to secure their rights. Contingency fee arrangements allow anyone, rich or poor, to find legal representation for their civil case. There are few situations where representing yourself in legal matters is a good idea. There is no excuse for representing yourself, especially not the excuse of “I can’t afford a lawyer”, in any personal injury case.

Some people are not so much motivated by a do-it-yourself mentality than by a belief that legal fees are too high, and they do not want to “waste” any of the damages they recover in paying for a lawyer’s services. Still others try to represent themselves because they do not think they can afford a personal injury attorney. This is far from the truth. Anyone injured in an accident can afford an attorney. This is because many attorneys, such as myself, work on a contingent fee basis.

When a person is injured in a car accident they should seek out the legal counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney. Severe, long term injuries can be sustained in an auto accident. Lawyer involvement from an early point in time is critical in creating a case where the injuries suffered will be properly addressed through damages paid out by the defendant(s). Typically, initial consultations with an attorney are at no cost to the potential client, and it is at these initial meetings that the fee structure, or how the lawyer will be paid, is set out. In a contingency fee structure, the lawyer is paid a percentage of the amount awarded to the client. The lawyer is only paid after the case is either won at trial or else is favorably settled. The only money paid out of pocket by the client may be for such things as court filing fees and witness fees. Here at the O’Sullivan Law Firm, we cover even those expenses.

In lawsuits involving an auto accident, lawyers who take a case on a contingency basis usually require clients to sign an agreement that specifically sets out the terms of the contingency fee payment. This makes it possible for just about anyone with a viable claim to have an attorney work for them to secure their rights. Contingency fee arrangements allow anyone, rich or poor, to find legal representation for their civil case. There are few situations where representing yourself in legal matters is a good idea. We want to help you get the settlement you deserve and don’t think, “I can’t afford a lawyer”, is a valid excuse in any personal injury case.

Let us help you.

Contact The O'Sullivan Law Firm today.

If you are looking for an attorney to help you after an accident, you should know that there is a distinct difference between personal injury attorneys and other types of lawyers. Personal injury attorneys don’t charge you a dime for anything until after your case is settled. If you have met an attorney who charges you for a consultation or asks you to pay a “signing fee” to handle your case, run the other way!

Personal injury law is one legal specialty tha t works on a contingency fee, which is simply a fancy way of saying, “free until we win.” You should pay nothing to your personal injury attorney until he or she secur es a settlement for you from your case. At that point, your attorney will recoup some costs and receive an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement.

And by the way, it’s free to call me up to discuss your case. I would enjoy the opportunity to hear what you’re facing and
to offer my help.